Manchester City defender Micah Richards has tipped his cross-city counterpart Phil Jones to become England captain in the future.
The pair are in contention to fill the right-back role in Montenegro on Friday, when England only require a point to seal their place at Euro 2012.
And Richards has no doubts his 19-year-old rival will eventually become a Three Lions' leader, telling The Guardian: "Phil Jones is going to be England captain one day. He's got everything: pace, reads the game well, is good on the ball. He's at the right club as well because Sir Alex Ferguson promotes young players."
It is something of a surprise that Richards has only won a single cap under Fabio Capello, having been an almost constant presence under predecessor Steve McClaren.
Richards clearly would like to play more often for his country. But that would be true of anyone.
What he does acknowledge is the competition for that right-back role is not quite as weak as many would claim.
"People always say there aren't many right-backs," he said. "But Chris Smalling is doing a good job for Manchester United. I rate Glen Johnson and Kyle Walker's been doing very well.
"I think I'm twice the player I was when I made my England debut at 19. There's no reason I can't get in there but it's about biding my time."
Source: PA
